Art-370 bridge between JK, Union of India: Zulfkar

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 12: Terming Article 370 as bridge between J&K and Union of India, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs & Information Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said that there is need to further strengthen this bridge.

Speaking during release of book ‘Commentary on J&K Constitution’ in Urdu compiled by Advocate S. Sundar Lehar and published by Jay Kay Law Reporter, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said J&K Constitution was drafted as per Article 370 of Indian constitution. He said that this Article provides special status to Jammu & Kashmir which has its own Constitution, State Flag, and Ranbir Penal Code.

The Minister said that since J&K has been given special powers under Indian Constitution so everybody citizen must safeguard the special provisions enshrined in the Constitution for Jammu & Kashmir. He said that Article-370 is a sacred bond with Union of India. He said that this Article provides conducive atmosphere for cordial State – Centre relations.

Commenting on the necessity of separate constitution for Jammu & Kashmir, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said that during the British period, the state of Jammu and Kashmir under Maharaja Hari Singh joined Dominion of India by signing the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947. He added that it is a historical fact that the accession was confirmed after the condition that Jammu and Kashmir would be governed by different rules to be framed by the Constituent Assembly which were framed and inserted in Article 370 of India Constitution. He added that this Article is very important and it must be safeguarded and strengthened more to keep the bond of state and Union intact.

On the occasion, Sunil Gupta, Managing Director Jay Kay Law Reporter was also present who thanked Minister for releasing the Book. He also highlighted the importance of Book on the occasion.